warrenf@tekig.UUCP (Warren Finke) (07/26/84)
............................................................................. WHY ARE ALL THOSE PEOPLE COMMUTING ON BICYCLES THAT WERE DESIGNED FOR RACING? ============================================================================= Last year I got tired of fighting bad roads, cars, dogs etc. and bought myself a mountain bike. These are the plus and minus points, as I see it, after nearly a year of commuting 15-20 miles a day. Minus side: Weighs more- 29 lbs versus 24? I don't think this is really significant. Rolling friction- Maybe 25% more with 2.5 in knobbies. Can be reduced greatly by using newest 65+lb road or road/trail tires. For kicks, I raced mine in a 27 mile road race on a local hilly course. The only change I made was a 52 tooth chainwheel for the high end. I used the 2.5 inch knobbies and placed in the top 25% beating lots of people with sewups and nice racing bikes. Aerodynamics- This makes a fair difference above 20 mph. I usually commute at about 15 mph. If you have adjustable handlebars you can achieve a more aerodynamic position for road riding by lowering them. Acceptance- You might be as popular at your local bike club as someone with a Hobie Cat at the New York Yacht Club. Be prepared for skeptics and snobs. Plus side: Training effect- All the minus side items increase the training stress you get from riding. So if your'e into fitness they are really plus factors. Some of the bike racers I know are now training on mountain bikes to increase their strength. Roads- You can ride on any road. Even ones where cars can't go. Chuckholes, glass, and railroad tracks cease to be a problem. Handling- You can stop on a dime, even in inch deep water because of the superiority of cantilever brakes , fatter tires, and longer frames. Manueverability is better too, just try a two wheel drift in gravel on a typical 10 speed. Cars- You can avoid them by going where there are none, and escape them by riding off onto gravel shoulders or over curbs if you have to. Riding position- No more stiff necks and sore backs. Much improved visibility in traffic. You can see them and they can see you. Dogs- Aim at their midsections! They make a funny thump thump sound as you roll over them! Maintainance- Probably half as much. You fix flats by pulling the tires off the rims with your bare hands. There is no need to remove the wheel from the frame. Just pull the tube out, patch it, put it back, and viola.. back on the road in about 2 minutes using only a pump and a patch kit. Acceptance- You might be as popular at your local bike club as someone with a Hobie Cat at the New York Yacht Club. Be prepared for skeptics and snobs. Touring- I think they are ideal because of their ruggedness and flexibility. You can tour both roads and trails. I just read an article on some guys who toured China (mainland) on mountain bikes along the great wall etc. Warren Finke Tektronix, Beaverton OR.